Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Calicut, Kerala, India
1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to elephants, tigers, and rare species like the lion-tailed macaque, this sanctuary offers jeep safaris and treks.
- Diverse Flora & Fauna: Boasts a rich variety of plants and animals, including endangered species.
- Trekking Opportunities: Offers guided treks through the dense forests for a closer look at wildlife.
- Jeep Safaris: Provides jeep safaris to explore deep into the sanctuary.
2. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Known for its population of elephants and tigers, this sanctuary also has a rich variety of bird life.
- Elephant & Tiger Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities to spot both elephants and tigers.
- Bird Watching: Offers a rich variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
- Trekking Trails: Has several trekking trails that offer stunning views and wildlife sightings.
3. Silent Valley National Park
A pristine rainforest with a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque.
- Pristine Rainforest: One of the few remaining large tracts of tropical rainforest in India.
- Endangered Species: Home to several endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr.
- Bio-diversity Hotspot: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich bio-diversity.
4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Thekkady, Periyar is famous for its elephant and tiger sightings, as well as boat rides through the lake.
- Boat Rides: Offers boat rides through the lake to spot wildlife.
- Elephant & Tiger Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities for elephant and tiger sightings.
- Spice Plantations: Surrounded by lush spice plantations, offering tours and purchases.
5. Mangalam Bird Sanctuary
A wetland habitat for a variety of migratory birds, including the lesser whistling-duck and spot-billed duck.
- Migratory Birds: Provides a home for several species of migratory birds.
- Wetland Habitat: A vital wetland habitat, supporting a rich variety of bird life.
- Nature Photography: Ideal for nature photography and bird watching.
6. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Offers trekking trails through dense forests, with chances to spot elephants, tigers, and bears.
- Trekking Trails: Has several challenging trekking trails.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot elephants, tigers, and bears.
- Eco-tourism Activities: Promotes eco-friendly tourism activities like bird watching and nature photography.
7. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A haven for migratory birds such as Siberian storks, egrets, and herons.
- Migratory Birds: Home to several species of migratory birds.
- Backwaters Cruise: Offers backwaters cruises for bird watching and sightseeing.
- Nature Photography: Ideal for nature photography, especially during the migratory season.
8. Kappad Beach & Thusharagiri Waterfalls
While not a traditional national park, Kappad Beach is known for its dolphin sightings and Thusharagiri Waterfalls for its diverse wildlife.
- Dolphin Sightings: Known for regular dolphin sightings.
- Waterfall Hike: Offers a challenging hike to the Thusharagiri Waterfalls.
- Wildlife Spotting: Has a diverse wildlife population, including elephants and leopards.
9. Bekal Fort & Ananthapura Lake Temple
While primarily historical sites, both Bekal Fort and Ananthapura Lake Temple have rich wildlife populations.
- Historical Significance: Historically significant fort and temple.
- Wildlife Spotting: Rich in wildlife, with sightings of monitor lizards, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Walks: Offers guided nature walks for wildlife spotting.
10. Chulattumala Hillock
A lesser-known wildlife area with opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
- Less Crowded: Less crowded than other wildlife areas.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
- Trekking Trails: Has several challenging trekking trails.
11. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
A mangrove forest home to over 150 bird species, including the Brahminy Kite and Grey Heron.
- Bird Watching: Ideal for bird watching due to its rich avian population.
- Mangrove Forest: Located in a mangrove forest, providing a unique ecosystem.
- Nature Photography: Ideal for nature photography, especially during the migratory season.
12. Tholpetty Wildlife Range
A part of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, offering jeep safaris and opportunities to spot elephants and tigers.
- Jeep Safaris: Offers guided jeep safaris.
- Elephant & Tiger Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities for elephant and tiger sightings.
- Trekking Trails: Has several trekking trails that offer stunning views and wildlife sightings.
13. Nakara Bird Sanctuary
A wetland habitat for a variety of migratory birds, including the Painted Stork and Openbill Stork.
- Migratory Birds: Provides a home to several species of migratory birds.
- Wetland Habitat: A vital wetland habitat, supporting a rich variety of bird life.
- Nature Photography: Ideal for nature photography and bird watching.
14. Muthanga Wildlife Range
A part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, offering jeep safaris and opportunities to spot elephants, tigers, and rare species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
- Jeep Safaris: Offers guided jeep safaris.
- Elephant & Tiger Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities for elephant and tiger sightings.
- Rare Species: Home to rare species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
15. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Shares a border with Tamil Nadu and is known for its elephant and tiger populations, as well as the Parambikulam Dam.
- Dam Visit: Offers a visit to the stunning Parambikulam Dam.
- Elephant & Tiger Spotting: Provides excellent opportunities for elephant and tiger sightings.
- Trekking Trails: Has several trekking trails that offer stunning views and wildlife sightings.